Council Signs Long-Term Renewable Electricity Supply Contract
Published on 04 November 2024
Bellingen Shire Council is excited to announce that it has successfully secured a renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia, extending through to the end of 2030. This agreement is part of a collaborative buyer’s group facilitating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 13 regional councils in New South Wales.
The agreement guarantees over 390 gigawatt-hours of electricity for 163 large council sites and street lighting across regional NSW, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply for essential infrastructure. Notably, Bellingen Shire Council has committed to 100% renewable energy under this PPA.
The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, with support from advisors including Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group, and Baker McKenzie. Through this collaboration, participating councils enhanced their collective buying power, resulting in a competitive deal that reduces procurement costs by sharing resources and fees.
Through its participation in this PPA, Bellingen Shire Council will benefit in several ways:
Emissions Reduction: By opting for 100% renewable energy, Bellingen Shire Council will avoid an estimated 5,705 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (t/CO2e) over the six-year agreement. This reduction is equivalent to the emissions produced by 396 cars on the road during the same period.
Cost Savings and Budget Certainty: Purchasing as a group enables the Council to secure renewable electricity at a competitive price until 2030. This deal protects the Council from market volatility that could unexpectedly increase costs, providing long-term budget stability.
Supporting the Regional Economy: The renewable energy sourced under this agreement will come from several of Iberdrola Australia’s NSW-based projects, including the Capital Wind Farm, Avonlie Solar Farm, and Bodangora Wind Farm. This investment supports regional NSW’s economy by creating jobs and fostering new energy sectors, contributing to a sustainable energy future.
Council’s General Manager, Mark Griffioen, expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement:
“This significant milestone will help our Council meet its 2030 emission reduction target five years ahead of schedule. By securing 100% renewable electricity, we are not only achieving environmental goals but also ensuring budget stability through to 2030. This accomplishment showcases what councils can achieve through collaboration, and we extend our gratitude to the Hunter Joint Organisation, Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, and our advisory team for their support in making this possible.”
The Powering Tomorrow: Regional Councils NSW PPA exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing energy challenges faced by regional councils. This initiative not only benefits Bellingen Shire Council but also serves as a model for other councils seeking stability and sustainability.